Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I want to associate myself with the many tributes paid to all those involved in yesterday's progress in Northern Ireland. It is always important to recognise that no agreement is set in stone forever, but a major step forward was made yesterday. A significant number of people deserve credit. It is 22 years since the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985 and it is almost 14 years since the IRA ceasefire of the summer of 1994. We must appreciate that in conflicts which have been ongoing for as long as the one in Northern Ireland, progress takes time, effort and patience. I hope something truly effective and long lasting will stem from yesterday's events.

I support Senator Ryan's remarks on the dispute surrounding the opening of the new maternity hospital in Cork. The comments of the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and HSE personnel in recent days have not been helpful. The nurses to whom I have spoken made it abundantly clear they wish to be in the new hospital at the earliest possible opportunity but they feel staffing levels as originally announced are not sufficient. As far as I am aware, that is their one and only concern. A little goodwill on the part of the Minister and the HSE could resolve this problem. The matter needs to be resolved in the near future.